Early voting in Jones County is averaging approximately 90 voters a day with more than a week to go before the May 24 election.
The number of voters as of Friday was more than 450. Elections Superintendent Marion Hatton said Early Voting will continue Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until May 20, which is the final day for Early Voting.
Early Voting in Jones County takes place in the Elections Office at the Government Center located at 166 Industrial Boulevard in Gray.
The May 24 Election will decide who will be the chairman of the Board of Education for the Jones County School System, which is a non-partisan contest. The election will also determine the Democratic and Republican candidates in the Nov. 8 partisan races for state positions representing Jones County that includes House Districts 133 and 144, Senate District 25 and U.S. Congressional District 8.
Three Board of Education seats, Districts 1 and 3 and chairman were up for election this year, but only the chairman is opposed. The current Chairman, Ginger Bailey, is challenged by Brady Skinner and Max “Joe” Wood.
Bailey, Skinner and Wood participated in an April 28 Forum at Butler Hall in Gray. The forum was live-streamed, and the video is available to be viewed on the Jones County/Gray Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
State Rep. Dale Washburn is running for re-election in House District 144. He is opposed in the Republican Primary by Jayson Stonne. Democrat Nettie B. Conner also qualified to run for the district and will face the winner between Washburn and Stonne in November.
Kenneth Vance qualified to run as the Republican candidate in House District 133 without opposition. He will face Hoganne Harrison Walton in the November Election, who qualified as a Democrat.
The contest for Senator of District 25 is crowded. Rick Jeffares, Leland ‘Jake’ Olinger II, Daniela Sullivan-Marzahl and Ricky ‘Rick’ Williams all qualified on the Republican ticket. The winner in that race will face Democrat Valerie Rodgers in November.
Incumbent Congressman Austin Scott, Republican, qualified to run to keep his District 8 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has no Republican opposition but will face Democrat Darrius Butler in the November General Election.
All other elected state offices are also on the ballot, including Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General.
To view a sample ballot, check voter registration status, or request an absentee ballot online, go to the ‘my voter page’ at sos.ga.gov. Ballot applications can also be requested by email at marion.hatton@jonescountyga.org, sydneyhigley@jonescountyga.org or by calling the Jones County Board of Elections Office 478-986-8222.
